Monthly Archives: December 2012

Some of you have seen this blog post before, but a number of members asked me to repeat it. I think it is as true this year as it was last year, and for generations before that, so here it goes. Conventional thinking tends to relegate Champagne and other fine sparkling wines to special occasions, Read More

Collector Series Top Picks are always the most challenging. How do I exclude a wine our tasting panels have deemed highly desirable and chosen as a monthly feature and then say “sorry, guy, you’re good but your two buddies are better . . . you’re out of here.” Harsh, don’t you think, and not exactly Read More

My first top pick this month has to be the 2004 Château Laronde Desormes. This exceptional effort came straight from the château’s cellar. It highlights just how good a Petit Château Bordeaux can be from a serious producer such as Laronde Desormes. In addition, mature Bordeauxis hard to find and typically fabulously expensive. To offer Read More

As the Holidays approach my thoughts turn to the meaning and purpose of the season. My taste buds, however, veer straight to the most venerable part of my wine cellar where the most mature and memorable wines await coveted invitations to grace holiday tables. The season between Thanksgiving and New Years is rich with occasions Read More